Wheel Bearing Wear - Front Drive Axle (Tapered): Smears

Fig 1: Identifying Tapered Roller Bearing Smears

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Smearing of the metal due to slippage. Slippage can be caused by the following factors:

• Poor fits
• Lubrication
• Overheating
• Overloads
• Handling damage

Replace the bearings. Clean the related parts. Check for proper fit and lubrication.